Explore the island of Kyushu through traditional experiences such as soaking in hot springs, sampling sake and local street foods, attending a tea ceremony and touring historical districts.
DAY 1 – April 10, 2025
After disembarking from the cruise ship, you will begin a tour of Nagasaki that will include the Nagasaki Peace Park, an urban greenspace and memorial built near Ground Zero of the atomic blast that leveled the city in 1945. It is a serene setting much like Glover Garden, another beautifully landscaped attraction that contains an open-air museum of historical mansions. A short walk from there will bring you to Oura Church, which was constructed in 1863 and is said to be the oldest church in Japan.
Following lunch, you will drive north into the Saga Prefecture for a sake tasting at the Hizen Hamajuku brewery. As you will discover, all the ingredients for outstanding sake are readily available nearby, including mineral-rich water and sweet-tasting rice.
You will next head for the Yutoku Inari Shrine, which is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari. The surrounding gardens are absolutely magnificent.
Continuing on to the hot springs town of Ureshino Onsen, you will check into the Yushuka Seiryu hotel. You will have time to relax at this traditional ryokan or Japanese-style inn before dinner, after which, you will spend the night at the hotel.
DAY 2 – April 11, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will explore more of the Saga Prefecture including Yobuko morning market, which sells mostly seafood. Although you will see a huge variety of fish, squid is the specialty.
Continuing on, you will visit the stair-like Hamanoura rice terraces, which are set into the steep hills overlooking the Genkai Sea.
Following lunch, you will then explore Karatsu, a town long known for its pottery. The trade particularly flourished in the late 16th century when Korean potters were brought to Japan.
You will return to the Yushuka Seiryu hotel by late afternoon and following dinner there, retire for the evening.
DAY 3 – April 12, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit a tea plantation and attend a tea ceremony.
Afterwards, you will drive to Fukuoka, a city on the northern shore of Kyushu Island. Following lunch and an enlightening tour of the city, you will check into the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka.
In the early evening, you will begin a guided walking tour of the Nakasu district that will introduce you the local street foods. The seemingly countless stalls, known as yatais, will offer ramen and all sorts of dishes such as oden winter soup, gyoza dumplings, yakitori grilled chicken skewers and tempura.
After dining, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
DAY 4 – April 13, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will fly to Ishigaki via Naga, where you will embark the cruise ship.
Please Note:
What to expect when staying at the Onsen:
•Western-style bedrooms are basic but comfortable with two single beds, a table with floor seating as well as a table with chairs and en-suite bathroom
•Traditional Japanese-style meals, consisting mainly of Taishoya's classic premium beef, marine produce from Ariake Sea and local seasonal ingredients carefully selected by the chef.
•Floors in the room are covered in tatami-mats
Japanese onsen bath (public bath) etiquette:
•Tattoos are banned and you will not be permitted with large tattoos that cannot be covered. Please notify the reception so that a patch or ribbon can be issued to cover any tattoos prior to entering the onsen.
•For health and safety reason, consuming alcohol is not permitted before or during the visit. Guests will be denied from entering the facility if appearing intoxicated.
•Lockers will be provided and guests should put all personal belongings in the locker. Personal effects are not permitted into the onsen.
•Clothes and bathing suits can bring dirt and soap into the hot spring waters from outside and are, therefore, considered unhygienic.
•Guests will be expected to be naked as no swimsuits, shorts, bathrobes or towels are allowed in the onsen
•Instead of bathing suits, people use small towels to cover private parts whilst maneuvering the hot spring baths.
•When in an onsen, you should never put your hair in the water or fully submerge your head underwater. This is considered unhygienic.
•Onsen are for relaxing. Don’t swim, jump, dive or splash.
•Taking a shower is required before entering and it is recommended to shower afterwards.
•Soap, shampoo or body gel are restricted in the onsen. Only use them in the shower.
•Taking photos in an onsen is forbidden.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations, which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most updated details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1
8:00am Disembark the ship in Nagasaki
8:15am Proceed to the port terminal for security screening
8:30am Depart for Nagasaki Peace Park
8:45am Visit Nagasaki Peace Park
10:00am Visit Glover Garden
11:10am Walk to Oura Church
11:15am Visit Oura Church
12:00pm Lunch at local restaurant
1:00pm Depart for Hizen Hamajuku sake brewery
2:20pm Visit Hizen Hamajuku sake brewery
3:10pm Visit Yutoku Inari Shrine
4:50pm Arrive at Ureshino Onsen and check in
6:30pm Enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Ureshino Onsen– Yushuku Seiryu (Japanese Western Room)
Day 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart from the hotel
10:20am Arrive at the Yobuko Morning Market
11:00am Visit the Hamanoura rice terraces
12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
1:20pm Explore Karatsu pottery town
3:00pm Depart from Karatsu
4:15pm Arrive back at your Onsen
6:30pm Enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Ureshino Onsen– Yushuku Seiryu (Japanese Western Room)
Day 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart from the hotel
9:15am Visit a Ureshino tea plantation
10:00am Tea ceremony
11:00am Depart for Fukuoka
12:30pm Lunch at Fukuoka restaurant
1:30pm Fukuoka city tour
4:30pm Check-in to the hotel
7:00pm Evening foodie walking tour
9:00pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
TBA Transfer to Fukuoka airport and check in
TBA Fly from Fukuoka to Ishigaki via Naga (flight details TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrive at Ishigaki airport and transfer to the ship
TBA Arrive at Ishigaki port and re-board the ship
Expected Weather
In Nagasaki – 11-20 C / 52-68 F
In Saga - 9-21 C / 48-70 F
What to Bring
Good walking shoes, warm clothing, hat, sunscreen, umbrella, camera and electronic chargers.
Local Currency
Japanese Yen
USD are not accepted.
Electricity
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices as the hotels may not provide one.
Luggage
Guests are permitted free of charge one checked suitcase with a maximum of 20KG (44 lbs) and one small carry-on that will fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
5. Guests should bring with them on the flight any paperwork from their doctor and/or specific details that explain the type of device they are bringing on board. Each brand should have a website with paperwork that can be printed for flight.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
VERY IMPORTANT
The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program. Otherwise, guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel, and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Hotels
Yushuka Seiryu: Otsu-2276-1 Ureshinomachi Oza Shimojuku, Ureshino Saga, Japan +81 954 42 0130
Grand Hyatt Fukuoka: 1-2-82 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan +81 092 292 1234
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Two nights at Ureshino Onsen– Yushuku Seiryu (Japanese Western Room) or similar
•One night at the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka or similar (Deluxe Room)
•Daily breakfast and lunch and dinner per the itinerary
•Drink package for lunch and dinner with 1 glass of house wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee or tea
•Admissions per the itinerary
•Economy-class flight per the itinerary
•National guide to accompany the group throughout including on flights
Program Excludes for guests:
•Personal expenses
•Meals and beverages not listed
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights
•Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry
•Any visas if required
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
